Old Haberdashers 39 FULLERIANS 1st XV 5

London 1 North

Fullerians played Old Habs in what is usually a closely contested fixture. However, Fullers we off the pace and fell off the tackles all too easily.
Fullers started well with a great drive up field from their own 22 from the lineout. They used the ball wisely and pinned their visitors in the 22.

Old Habs were caught offside and Fullers decided to go for the corner instead of going for the posts. Good idea but the execution of the lineout was poor and the try scoring opportunity went missing.

Old Habs took control and scored a nice try through their back line. Fullers continued to press and were also awarded a 5 metre attacking scrum. The ball was shipped wide for full back Liam Mann to crash over in the corner.

Fullers visitors scored two more tries before the half was out for a 20-5 score line and all to play for.

In the second half Fullers again started the brighter but just could not seem to penetrate their visitors defence. All too often they knocked on in contact or got isolated for an easy turnover for Habs.

They scored another try as Fullers lost their shape and Old Habs exploited the holes that began to appear. Fullers did keep going but their heads dropped and Old Habs scored again aided by some weak tackling. It was not to be Fullers day.

“We were poor and not up for the game. Making numerous changes due to availability does not help with consistency but we lacked hunger for the win today.” commented Fullerians head coach Rich Hoskins.

Team. McPhail, Williams, Bass (Wetton 40), Boyd, Kerr, Longbottom (Finnegan 50), Barrett, Harvey, Matchett, Evans (Dollard 35), Woodham, Maher, Laurenson, Williams, Mann,

Man of the Match: Liam Boyd